'm^m^ 



^^^^^i^fVA 



<^AA-/;/»^AA^ 



^aA/* 






MMi0 



/^aAa 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



^ *r5^?^ 






UNITED STATES OF AMi^RICA. 



^mySi 



;,«.:«S,?II#' 



(^K9ii§^»sr^^ 



T^wm'^TAl>< 



^ii^/^a^Sstefflfi; 



■.'^An^r-' 



W^^A^' 



•,»^,^^^mmfi 



T;-iS-»?«'.«5 






«,.-n^. 



A>^.»A\f\^ 









THE 

Unexpected Visitor; 

OR, 

MISCELLANEOUS POETRY, 

BY 

JOHK FRAKCIS YANPELT REIL, 

OF NICHOLAS COUNTY, W. VA. 



CHARLESTON: ff. JO^ 

E. T. Moore, printer, Skees' Hew Building, 

1878. 






Entered according to Act of Congress, in tlie j^ear 1877, by 

JOHN FRANCIS VANPELT NEIL, 

In the Office of tlie Librarian of Congress, at Washington,, 

D. C. 

All I'ights reserved. 



PREFACE. 



After I had "passed from death unto life,'^ 
some thought that I would preach from the 
pulpit the glorious Gospel of the Son of God, 
but I took a diftcrent position. Now, my 
reason is this : When I entered the vineyard 
of the Lord, the question arose, " Lord, what 
wilt Thou have me to do ?'' I was deeply 
concerned in regard to my Avork as a servant 
of God. Therefore, I earnestly prayed God 
to show me what He would have me to do, 
and, to my great satisfaction, I was fully con- 
vinced that the work of a poet is the princi-^ 
pal work wdiich God requires me to perform. 
So, when I obtained the desired wisdom, I 
began to compose and write poems suited to 
common measure ; and I have at last pub- 
lished a smoJl volume, consisting of different 
measures, which 1 most respectfully submit 



IV PREFACE. 

to the candid and impartial perusal of an in- 
telligent people. Now, as regards the gram- 
matical and the rhetorical construction of 
this volume, I do not claim that it is wholly 
a perfect work ; because, " To err is human, 
but to forgive is divine." And, as I am not ex- 
tensively known as a poet, the originality of 
this w^ork may be questioned; but I challenge 
the world to produce a single verse which I 
have knowingly quoted from any other author 
with whose writings I am acquainted. So, 
with this brief reason and few remarks, I send 
this little volume abroad, as bread cast '' upon 
the waters,"" hoping to see its divine effect 
"after many days." 

A Divine Blessinci Asked upon This Work. 
L. M. 

1 Great God, having published the work 
Which Thou once gavest unto me, 

1 now submit it to the world. 

And leave the whole result with Thee. 

2 Now may this little volume cause 
Many poor sinners to repent ; 



PREFACE. 

May it accomplish, as Thy hiws, 
The great end for which it is sent. 

3 But if this volume, by Thy aid. 
Shall win but few, yea, even one, 

I shall be very amply paid 

For all the work that 1 have done. 

4 Because I have done nothing more 
Than duty demanded of me; 

Hence, I am an unworthy son, 
And all the praise belongs to Thee, 



ALPHABETICAL INDEX TO SUBJECTS. 



PAGE. 

A Father's Lamtentation 1 

A Minister's Farewell 2 

A Description of Hell 3 

A Minister's Prayer 5 

An Address to a Young Man 7 

A Minister's Solemn Inquiry 8 

A Widow's Lamentation 9 

A Description of Heaven 11 

A Son's Lamentation 13 

A Mother's Lamentation 15 

A Young Minister's Farewell 16 

A Description of the Last Day 19 

Am I an Heir of Heaven ? 20 

Behold the Precious Lamb of God 22 

Behold the Lowly Prince of Grace 24 

"Brethren, Be Strong in the Lord" 26 

Did Christ Leave His Bright Throne? 28 

Death Will Surely come... 28 

Father, Increase My Love for Jesus 31 

Is My Name Written in the Book of Life? 31 

Jesus' Eesienation 33 



I^^DEX. Vll 

My Hopes and My Fears 35 

My Former and My Latter Condition 36 

My Home is in Heaven 38 

On Communion ,.39 

Questions on Prayer 42 

Shall One Deny the Faith? 43 

The Safe Ship .-> 44 

The Certainty of a Judgment 45 

The Little Boy that Died 46 

The Brevity of Mortal Life 48 

The Uncertainty of Life 49 

The Fountain of Life 51 

The Original Condition of Man, his Fall and Ke- 

demption 51 

The Backslider's Experience 54 

The Backslider's Prayer 55 

The Day of Wonders 56 

The Attributes of God 48 

The Unsafe Ship 59 

''The Spirit and the Bride say, Come " 61 

The Prayer of the Publican and the Pharisee 62 

The Memory of Child hood 65 

The Little Boy's Narrow Escape 67 

The Story of the Cross 69 

Thoughts on the Grave, the Resurrection and Final 

Judgment 71 

The Cloud of Wrath 72 



Vlll INDEX. 

The Gospel Feast 74 

The Great Danger of Grieving the Holy Spirit of 

God \ 75 

The Great Importance of Being on Our Watch- 

Tower 79 

Viewing Jesus in Prayer 81 

Vain Man, Thou May est Now Laugh 83 

Vain Man, How Can'st Thou Meet Thy Judge? 84 

Vain Man, Why Wilt Thou Be Lost? ,. 85 

Vain Man, Forsake Thy Carnal Mirth 86 

Vain Man, Delay No More 87 

Were the Disciples Always in Battle Array? 88 

Why Have We Furled the Blood-Stained Banner ?..91 

We Are All Swiftly Traveling to Eternity 92 

Who Can Describe the Last Day? 94 



MISCELLANEOUS POETRY. 



A Father's Lamentation. ^S'. 31. 

y^^LAS I the king of foes 
^^^ Has entered my abode ; 
But ah! I would not weep as those 
Who have no hope in God. 

2 Because the one for whom 
My tears so freely flow, 

Now lives beyond the dreary tomb, 
Where storms shall never blow. 

3 Then, sliould I weep at all, 
When happy souls depart, 

From whom no tears shall ever I'all, 
Nor sorrow fill the heart ? 

4 Oh, yes ; the Prince of Grace 
Often had weeping eyes ; 

Then well may tears stream down my face, 
When one so near me dies! 



THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR; 

5 So, when I see his chair, 
My tears refuse to slack ; 

I mourn beeause he is not there, 
But woukl not call him back ! 

6 For he washed his robe all white 
In Jesus' precious blood ; 

And now, with all the saints in light, 
He sings the praise of God. 

7 And we again shall meet 
In that great City fair; 

Then there will be no vacant seat, 
For we will all be there ! 

8 How happy we will be 
With Jesus in His throne; 

For we sliall all His glory see, 
And know as we are knowni ! 



A Minister's Farewell. L. M. 

1 Dear wife, I now bid thee adieu, 
And I no more thy face may view; 
For I must cross the briny deep, 

To gather home the wandering sheep. 

2 Alas ! thou hast oft heard me speak, 
And s^en the tears roll down my cheek ; 



OR, MISCELLANEOUS POETRY. 

And thou liast often cheered my heart; 
But I must now from thee depart ! 

3 I would that I could stay with thee, 
For thou art very dear to me ; 

But He that shed His precious blood, 
Bids me go preach the word of God. 

4 The ship is weighing anchor now ; 
Methinks I see her dazzling prow. 
Her sails will soon be all unfurled, 
Pew^red to cross a Avat'ry world. 

Jn'ow, I must many dangers brave, 
And I may find a liquid grave ; 
But He that calmed a raging sea, 
Will even there remember me ! 

6 So, if I never more return. 
Then keep thy lamp well trimmed to burn, 
That Ave may meet ne'er more to part, 
Where sorrow never fills the heart. 



A Description of Hell. L. M. 

1 Far, far beyond the bounds of time, 
There is a dark and dreary clime, 
In which there is a flaming fire 
That shall never, never expire ! 



THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR ; 

2 That world's great torments are unknown ; 
For there the lost must weep and moan, 
And gnash their teeth forevermore, 

In a great lake which has no shore ! 

3 Alas ! the worm there never dies, 
And surging flames forever rise ; 
And all who reach that dark abode 
Shall drink the unmixed wrath of God ! 

4 The smoke forever shall ascend, 
And their torments shall never end ; 
For in the holy angels' sight. 

They shall be punished day and night ! 

5 Their bodies shall writhe in the bath 
Of God's all-fierce, unmingled wrath ; 
Its bitter wine their drink shall be, 
Even through all eternity ! 

6 Their only robes are hell's strong chains; 
Forever racked by piercing pains ; 

And darkness is their bitter bread, 
While great shame crowns their ev'ry head. 

7 Alas ! they would their fingers dip 
In water, to cool their parched lips ; 
But ah ! there will no water well 

To quench the dreadful flames of hell! 



OR, MISCELLANEOUS POETRY. 

8 And no light shall ever illume 
That dreary world of deepest gloom; 
So, they in utter darkness grope, 
Without a single ray of hope I 

9 And all who enter hell's strong gate 
Forever shall each other hate ; 

And while eternal ages roll, 

Each one shall hate his own lost soul! 

10 Yea, they would die, and die for aye; 
But, ah ! grim death shall flee away ; 
So they must drink, at every breath, 
The bitterness of eternal death ! 

11 Oh, wretched world ! ah, who can bear 
To weep and wail forever there! 
Because no mortal tongue can tell 

The dread realities of hell ! 

12 And oh, may no one realize 

" The second death," that never dies ; 

But may all, through Christ's precious blood, 

Gain the fair Paradise of God. 



A Minister's Prayer. L. M. 

1 Almighty God, aid me to speak 
Thv sacred Word in such a way 



THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR ; 

That many precious souls may seek 
Their great Redeemer's face to-day. 

2 For now is free salvation's day, 
And this is the accepted hour; 

So then, oh, make a great display 
Of Thy re-generating power ! 

3 For time is swiftly passing by. 

The harvest fields are large and white; 
Therefore, oh! aid me from on high, 
To shed abroad the gospel light ! 

4 More energy and zeal afford, 
And oh! more living faith impart, 

That I may with the Spirit's sword 
Pierce every thoughtless sinner's heart, 

5 Though I the seed of Life may sow, 
E'en in many a barren place, 

Yet it will not take root and grow, 
If watered not by dews of grace. 

6 So then, when I Life's seed shall plant, 
Oh! bid it take substantial root ; 

And all needed nourishment grant, 
That it mav vield abundant fruit. 



OK, MLSCELLA^EOUS POETRY. i 

An Address to a Young Man. L. M. 

1 Young man I thou must needs soon go down. 
To grim death's cold and dreary shade ; 

Tliough thou may'st be of high renown, 
Yet thou must in the tomb be laid. 

2 In wisdom thou may'st far surpass 
The wisest of the present day ; 

But yet, just like the flower of grass, 
Thou must soon die and waste away. 

3 And thou in beauty may'st excel 
The fairest one beneath the skies; 

But, ah! young man, remember well 
That the most lovely flower dies! 

4 And thou may'st sumptuously fare, 
And have all else that heart can crave; 

Yea, thou may'st silk and purple wear, 
Yet thou must soon lie in the grave ! 

5 For as Christ was once offered up. 
To make a perfect sacrifice. 

So all must drink death's bitter cup ; 
But after that to judgment ribe ! 



THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR ; 

A Minister's Solemn Inquiry. S, M. 

1 Must I resign my breath, 
And close these mortal eyes? 

Must I lie in the arms of death 
Till God shall bid me rise? 

2 Must 1 soon cease to meet 

My friends on life's rough road; 
And must I shortly cease to greet 
Them at the house of God ? 

3 Must I soon cease to steal 
Away from earth's vain care, 

That I in solitude may kneel, 
To offer earnest prayer? 

4 Must I soon cease to bow 
Beside " the old arm chair ?" 

Must he that occupies it now 
Soon fail to meet me there? 

5 Must I soon cease to view 
The dear land of my birth? 

Must I soon bid a long adieu 
To my best friend on earth? 

6 Must I soon cease to hear 
That well-known, gentle voiqe. 



OR, M ISC ELL A NEC IS POETRY. 

Which is sweet inn sic to my ear, 
And makes my heart rejoice? 

7 Yes, I Avho liave oft i)raye(l 

For those unsaved hy grace, 
Must surely very soon be laid 

In grim death's cold embrape! 

S And my flesh must remain 

Beneath the mossy sod. 
Till He who once was bruised and slain 

Shall call me up to Ood ! 

9 But then 1 shall arise 

To meet my glorious King, 
Crying, as 1 fly to the skies, 

" O, Death ! where is thy sting?" 

10 Now, all thanks be to (lod, 
Who giveth unto me, 

Througli Jesus Christ's most precious blood, 
The greatest victory I 



A ^VIJ)o^^''8 Lajientation. L. M' 

1 As Jesus' weeping mother stood 
Beside the cross of rugged wood, 
So I with sorrow bow to-day, 
Beside this form of lifeless clav. 



10 THE tJNEXPECTEI) VISITOR ; 

2 As Eachel for her children wept, 
When in captiv'ty they were kept, 
So it is now my bitter lot 

To mourn, but find sweet comfort not! 

3 As Mary's heart was filled with gloom, 
When she approached her brother's tomb, 
So my heart's star has ceased to shine, 
And I must now in darkness pine ! 

4 It seems more than my heart can bear, 
Since grim death came all unaware ; 
And when my hopes were all so bright, 
He swept away my heart's delight ! 

5 And no one else can fill the place 
Of him who lies in death's embrace ; 
So I am now left all alone, 

In my heart's bitterness to nfoan ! 

6 His voice was music to my ear, 
Which voice methinks I still can hear ; 
And I his smiles as plainly view 

As when I last bade him adieu. 

7 He was my sun and shield each day; 
His smiles drove all my gloom away. 
So it now fills my heart with grief, 

To think his life has been so brief! 



OR, MISCELLANEOUS POETRY. 11 

8 When tossed on trouble's surging sea, 
Yea, he was even there with me, 

To hold my fainting spirit up. 
And sweeten sorrow's bitter cup. 

9 But he no more will calm my fears, 
Nor wipe away my falling tears; 
Nor, when in trouble, bring relief; 

Nor cheer my heart, when fi lied with grief. 

10 For he has reached a blest abode. 
The city of the living God, 

To reign with Jesus in His throne, 
Where pain and death are never known. 

11 And I Avill soon reach that fair place, 
Where tears no more stream down the face. 
And sorrow shall not till my heart, 

Nor shall I from this loved one part ! 

12 Therefore, may this heart-cheering thought 
Ever sweeten my bitter lot ; 

For it will not be many years 
Till God will Avipe away my tears ! 



A Description of Heaven. L. M. 

1 There is a world beyond the tomb. 
Whose joys no mortal can portray ; 



12 THE UNEXPECTED visitor; 

For there the fairest tlowers bloom, 
But never, never fade away. 

2 For Life's fair tree shall never fail 
To yield abundant fruit divine; 

And ev'ry hill, and ev'ry vale. 

Abounds with honey, milk and wine. 

3 A house, with many mansions fair, 
Is in the ^^ orld of which I speak ; 

And there shall be no sorrow there 

Nor sliall tears trickle down the cheek. 

4 Each shall have a beautiful seat, 
Purchased with Jesus' precious blood ; 

And they shall walk the golden streets, 
To view the great city of God. 

5 And no temptation shall annoy 
Those who shall reach that blest abode; 

But they shall all their time employ 
In singing sweet praises to God. 

6 And ghastly death shall never sieze 
Those who in that fair mansion dwell ; 

For God's dear Son now holds the keys 
Of the grim monsters, Death and Hell. 

7 And thirst shall not be known to those 
Who reach that bright and fair abode ; 



OR, MISCELLANEOUS POETRY. 13 

For Life's pure river treely flows 

Out of the '' great white throne " of God. 

8 Well may the rich give all their wealth 
That they may gain that world above, 

Where all is life and peace and health, 
And unnuxed joy and perfect love. 



A Son's Lainientation. L. M. 

1 As David wept for his dear son, 

When he was thrust through with a dart, 
So I now deeply mourn for one 

Who has oft cheered my fainting heart I 

2 As those who hung their harps of gold 
Upon the weeping willow tree. 

So I now weep with grief untold 
For one who was so dear to me ! 

3 As Mary cried, witli weeping eyes, 

*' Where is my loving Saviour laid?" 
So I now truly realize 

A loss wdiicii can not be repaid. 

4 She Avas my dearest friend on earth; 
But ah ! I never truly knew 

A loving mother's real worth, 
Till I bade her a long adieu ! 



14 THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR; 

5 But oh ! when I saw her depart, 
Who had so often smiled on me, 

I seemed to say, with aching heart, 
" I would that I could die with thee !" 

6 For all then seemed an empty space — 
A world without the brilliant sun, 

While I gazed on the cold, pale face 
Of that most affectionate one ! 

7 And even to this very day, 

This world affords me no sweet charms ; 
For all earth's pleasures passed away 
With her who lies in death's cold arms. 

8 Her voice still ringeth in my ears, 
And nothing can her smiles erase ; 

And I shall ne'er forget the tears 
That used to trickle down her face ! 

9 Yea, I now know her real worth — 
I mourn, but I find no relief; 

For nothing in this verdant earth 
Can sweet'n my cup of bitter grief! 

10 Oh, that my eyes were founts of tears, 
That I might weep my Mfe away. 

For her who oft has calmed my fears, 
And kindly v»'atched me day by da^ ! 



OR, MISCELLAXEOUS POETRY. 15 

11 Oh, could I take the morning's wings, 
And fly away, and be at rest, 

Where bitter sorrow's piercing stings 
Would ne'er be thrust into my breast ! 

12 But, should I fiy far, far away, 
That mother would be in my view ; 

And I could hear her sweetly say, 
" Mv dearest one, adieu, adieu !" 



A Mother's Lamentatiox. L. M. 

1 With grief which none but mothers feel. 
I, uncoraforted, mourn to-day ; 

Because none can my sorrows heal. 
Nor wipe my flowing tears away. 

2 For I have bidden one farewell, 
Which caused these bitter tears to start; 

And now no mortal tongue can tell 
The feelings of my aching heart I 

3 For death's strong, iron chains confine 
My heart's delight, whose life was brief; 

So I now drink the bitter wine 

That flows from unmixed, bitter grief. 

4 It seems as though my heart will burst. 
When I his lonelv dwelling see. 



16 THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR; 

I hear him say, " Come kiss me first, 
Because thou art so dear to me." 

5 And when I see his vacant seat. 
My tears then unceasingly stream. 

Methinks I hear his coming feet. 
But, alas! it is but a dream! 

6 For he whom I so sadly miss, 

Lives far beyond death's surging flood, 
And I will soon that dear one kiss 
In the fair Paradise of God. 

7 Then I no more that grief will feel. 
Which fills my broken heart to-day ; 

For God will all my sorrows heal. 
And wipe my flowing tears away! 



A Young Minister's Farewell. 9s. 

1 Alas! the sad day is now at hand, 
When I must needs leave my native land, 
And sail for China, Burmah or Bome, 
To call poor, perishing sinners home. 

2 Farewell ! dear home ; but it grieves my heart, 
To think that we must so shortly part ; 

For the dearest spot on earth to me 
Is the play-ground of my infancy. 



OR, MISCELLANEOUS POETRY. 17 

3 But there is One whom no man can see, 
Who is now far more precious to me. 
Than the pleasant home of my childhood, 
Or all that this world calls great and good. 

4 For He once shed His most precious blood, 
And saved me from the fierce wrath of God ; 
And He now bids me go and proclaim 
Pardon to all through His righteous name. 

5 Farewell ! father ; but thou must not weep, 
Though I must soon sail on the great deep ; 
For my robe is washed in Jesus' blood, 

And I now have perfect -peace with God. 

G So, if I shall sink to rise no more, 
I shall soon reach that fair, golden shore, 
Where the cold waves of the rolling sea 
Shall never, never dash over me. 

7 Farewell ! mother ; but, ah ! can we part. 
Since thou hast so often cheered my heart ? 
Can I leave my dearest friend on earth, 
And the beautiful land of my birth? 

8 Yes ; since Jesus sweetly calleth me, 
I must very soon depart from thee ; 
For I shall be guilty of His blood, 

If I preach not the pure Word of God. 



18 THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR ; 

9 But, alas ! tliy sighs and bitter tears 
Bring to memory my childhood's years, 
When thon didst make me thy daily care, 
And at night, the burden of thy prayer. 

10 And thy fervent prayers were not in vain ; 
Because for me to die is great gain. 

So, when thou shalt see my vacant chair. 
Oh, weep not because I am not there ! 

11 Farewell! sister; we have often played 
In the weeping willow's pleasant shade, 
And we have spent many happy hours 

In making fair wreaths of blushing flowers. 

12 But we may no more together roam 
About our childhood's most pleasant home; 
For the ship may shortly run aground ; 

Hence, I may soon be ship-wrecked and drowned. 

13 But, if we shall never meet below. 

We shall meet where Life's pure waters flow ; 
And then we shall spend the happy hours, 
Koaming amid fair, immortal flowers. 

14 Then, dear sister, be thou of good cheer, 
And wipe thou away the bitter tear ; 

Let not tender sorrow rend thy heart. 
For we shall soon meet no more to pai-t. 



OR, MISCELLANEOUS POETRY. 19 

A Description of the Last Day. 8,8,6. 

1 Alas I when time sliall reach its sum, 
The King of kings will surely come, 

Though not to slied His blood; 
But He will come with glory crowned, 
And then the Arch-angel will sound 

The awful trump of God ! 

2 The earth shall quake from pole to pole, 
The heavens shall together roll, 

And instantly expire ; 
The stars shall be from heaven hurled, 
And even all this sin-cursed world 

Shall be one flaming fire! 

3 The golden sun, the king of day, 
Shall then forever fade away, 

The moon shall turn to blood ; 
Ah ! such a sight was never seen, 
Since all this great world shall convene 

Before the living God ! 

4 But when the dreary graves shall burst, 
The righteous dead shall all rise first, 

In Christ's own image bright; 
And they shall in His throne sit down. 
And each shall wear a robe and crown, 

And praise Him day and night. 



20 THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR ; 

5 Then those not saved by sovereign grace 
Shall quickly leave grim Death's embrace, 

To meet their Judge severe ; 
But when the bleeding Lamb shall look 
Through everlasting life's fair book, 

Oh, where shall they appear! 

6 Because their names are not engraved 
With those who shall be scarcely saved. 

Through Jesus' precious blood, 
Then they must down to darknes sink, 
AVhere they forevermore shall drink 

The unmixed wrath of God ! 

Am I AN Heir of Heaven? 8,8,6. 

\. 

1 When Jesus ('hrist, my living head, 
Shall come to raise the righteous dead. 

Shall I obtain a crown ? 
Or shall I enter black despair, 
To weep and Avail forever there, 

Beneath God's dreadful frown ? 

2 I own Him as my Saviour now, 
And often at His feet I bow. 

To plead His sovereign grace ; 
But shall I, in that dreadful day, 
When heaven and earth shall pass away. 

Be banished from His face ? 



OR, MISCELLANEOUS POETRY. 21 

4 Alas! how it will rend my heart, 
If He shall say, "From me depart," 

Instead of " Enter in ;" 
Because He is my only plea, 
And through His blood I hope to flee 

God's wrath, and Heaven win. 

4 But if sin shall in me be found, 

When the great trump of God shall sound, 

I can not with Him dwell ; 
But ah I where the worm never dies. 
I must utter my fruitless cries, 

All bathed in flames of hell ! 

o Then, oiil let me, with all my heart, 
Ever strive to obtain a part 

With those who first arise ; 
That I in that great day may sing, 
" O, Death, where is thy piercing sting," 

For I have won the prize ! 

G Then 1 Avill all the glory give 
To Him who died that I might live 

In His bright, fair abode, 
Where I shall reign in spotless white, 
And sweetly sing both day and night, 

The wondrous love of God ! 



22 THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR; 

BEHOiiD THE Precious Lamb of God ! L. M. 

1 Behold the precious Lamb of God 
Expiring on the shamefal tree ; 

There shedding His most precious blood, 
To set the vilest sinner free. 

2 Alas! how wondrously He bleeds, 
Nailed to the cross of rugged wood; 

And oh, how earnestly He pleads 

For those who slight the grace of God ! 

3 He cries aloud, '• My God, my God, 
Oh! why hast Thou forsaken me? 

Is not the shedding of my blood 
Sufficient sacrifice for Thee ?" 

4 He cries, " I thirst ;" and some pretend 
To answer His most humble call ; 

But ab ! they offer their best friend 
Vinegar mixed with bitter gall ! 

5 Was ever a more bitter cup 
Offered to any other one ? 

Ah ! no ; nor did He drink it up ; 

But, He exclaimed, " It is now done." 

6 He humbly bows His sacred head, 
And meekly then resigns His breath ; 



23 



Ah ! the great Judge of quick and dead. 
Now lies in the cold arms of death ! 

7 The temple rends to its great base, 
And darkness veils the heavens above. 

Was ever such amazing grace 
Combined Avith bleeding, dying love ? 

8 The great earth also loudly quakes, 
And the solid stones rend in twain ; 

Yea, the dead's cold, dark mansions shalie. 
While the God of nature is slain! 

9 But soon the Kejected of men, 
Who once bled at many a pore, 

Most assuredly rose again. 

To suffer, bleed, and die no more. 

10 And many who then slept arose, 
After the rising of their King, 

Crying, "O, Death, thou king of foes, 
Where is now thy most piercing sting ?" 

11 Because He that loved man so well 
That He meekly resigned His breath. 

Has conquered the great Prince of hell. 
And now He holds the keys of Death. 

12 Oh, how heart -clieering is the thought, 
Tliat all things are now fully done — 



24 THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR ; 

That the last, hard battle is fought, 
And the ffreat victorv is won ! 



Behold the Lowly Prince of Grace ! L. M. 

1 Behold the lowly Prince of grace 
Wearing a robe of scarlet red ; 

Behold His foes spit in His face. 
And often smite His sacred head ! 

2 Behold Him most meekly sustain 
The heavy cross of rugged wood. 

On which He must be bruised and slain, 
To appease the fierce wrath of God. 

3 Then behold Him most humbly bear 
False accusations, scoffs and scorns, 

And then see Him most meekly wear 
A crown of rugged, piercing tliorns. 

4 Behold Him wearing a blind-fold. 

As though stained with the darkest ciimes ; 
And oh, think of His being sold 
For the sum of few silver dimes ! 

5 Behold Him in Gethsemane, 
Weeping and praying all alone, 

Crying, "Eemove this cup from me; 
Though not my will, but Thine be done !" 



25 



H Behold Him most shamefully nailed 
To the cross which He meekly bore, 

While His friends most bitterly wailed, 
With sorrow never felt before. 

7 Behold His tender, guileless hands, 
All bathed in His most preoious blood, 

By which He meets the law's demands, 
And reconciles an angry God 1 

8 Behold His mangled, bleeding feet, 
And see how kindly He yet speaks. 

Although great drops of bloody SAveat 
Trickle down His most sacred cheeks. 

\) He cries, " Woman, behold thy son, 
Who must shortly lake care of thee ; 

For my short life to-day is done. 
But, dear mother, weep not for me." 

10 Hear ye Him cry, " Father, forgive. 
And pour Thy wrath upon Thy Son ; 

But let these guilty sinners live. 

For they knov/ not wliat they have done !" 

11 Then view Him die, all stained with blood, 
Forsaken by every one ; 

Yea, the All-compassionate God 
Forsook His bleeding, dying Son. 



26 THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR; 

12 Then, dying sinner, oh ! draw near 

To Him that sufFerred, groaned and died, 
And view the soldier's rugged spear 
Thrust into His most sacred side ! 

13 I once more ask thee to survey 
That great fountain of precious blood, 

Which flowed on that most noted day, 
From the dear, mangled Son of God ! 



Brethren, be Strong in the Lord. L. M. 

1 Dear "brethren, be strong in the Lord, 
And in the power of His might ;" 

For if you gain that great reward. 
You must needs fight a faithful fight. 

2 Be on your watch-tower day and nighty 
The breast-plate of righteousness wear, 

And always keep your sword bright, 
By humble, earnest faith and prayer. 

3 Because you do not only fight 

To conquer the flesh and the blood. 
But many other foes unite 
Against the blood-bought sons of God. 

4 Yea, principalities and powers 
Meet you on mountain knd in dell ; 



OK, MISCELLANEOUS POETRY. 27 

And fiery darts, in thickest showers, 

Are hurled from the great Prince of hell. 

o So, take the whole armor of God, 

And enter the great battle field, 
Bearing tlie banner stained with blood, 

And know no such a word as yield. 

6 And ever keep your feet well shod, 
Wearing the perfect shield of faith ; 

And meet the bitter foes of God, 
Exclaiming, '' Victory, or death !" 

7 And wear salvation's helmet, too, 

To shield your head from Satan's blows ; 
And to the very end be true, 

And you shall conquer all your foes. 



8 And when your great conflict sliall cease, 
And you shall lay all your arms down. 

Then you shall reign in perfect peace. 
And wear a shining robe and crown. 

9 So then, in hope of such reward. 
Ever keep an unshrinking faith. 

And fight the battles of the Lord, 
Though your flesh may be burned to death ! 

10 Because, if for Christ's sake alone, 
You seal your calling with your blood, 



28 THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR; 

You shall reign in His " great, white throne," 
And shall be kings and priests to God. 



Did Christ Leave His Bright Throne? 8,8,6. 

1 Did Christ leave His bright throne on high, 
That He might suffer, bleed and die, 

"Nailed to the shameful tree?" 
Did He there shed His precious blood, 
To satisfy the law of God, 

And set the sinner free ? 

2 Yes, a pure fountain, deep and Avide, 
Was opened up in Jesus' side. 

Filled with His precious blood ; 
And all may fly to it to-day, 
And there wash all their sins away. 

And come forth heirs of God. 

3 The dying thief that fountain saw. 
Which satisfied God's lioly law, 

And loosed the sinner's chains ; 
And when near death's dark, dreary night. 
He washed his robe, and made it white, 

And now in glory reigns. 

4 But ah ! sinner, slight not His grace 
Till thou shalt near death's cold embrace. 

But yield without delay; 



29 



For death may come all unaware, 

And, if so, thou can'st not prepare 

For the great judgment day ! 

5 So, while Pie knocks at thy heart's door, 
Oh, grieve His dying love no more, 

But let Him enter in ; 
That He may His free grace impart, 
And cleanse thy much polluted heart, 

From all the stains of sin. 

6 For He that cries, ''Come unto me," 
Will not forever offer thee 

The riches of His grace ; 
But justice's storm will shortly blow, 
And the waters shall overflow 

Every hiding-place. 

7 And the hail, in that dreadful day, 
Shall forevermore sweep away 

The great refuge of lies ; 
So, if the truth shall save thee not, 
Thou slialt have thy most wretched lot 

Where flames forever rise. 



Death will Surely Come. L. M. 

1 Alas ! vain man, thou may'st live long, 
But death will snrelv come at last ; 



30 THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR ; 

And life will seem just like a song, 
When all thy days shall here be past. 

2 Yea, when thou shalt reach death's cold stream, 
Whose billows thou must surely brave, 

The time will seem just like a dream. 
From childhood to the silent grave. 

3 And thou perhaps hast now been spared 
E'en more than half of all thy years ; 

But oh ! art thou yet well prepared 
To leave this gloomy vale of tears ? 

4 Ha&t thou washed thy dark garments white 
In Jesus' all-atoning blood ; 

Or dost thou still wilfully slight 
All the pleading mercy of God ? 

5 Thou may'st through this short life enjoy 
All that thy anxious heart can crave, 

But oh ! what will be thine employ 
Beyond the cold and dreary grave ? 

6 Oh, wilt thou sing the charming song, 
Sung by those washed in Jesus' blood ? 

Wilt thou, with all that happy throng, 
Eeign in the great, white throne of God ? 

7 No ; thou shalt with damned spirits dwell, 
Where thou shalt hear God's dreadful ire — 



OR, MISCELLANEOUS POETRY. 81 

Deep in the dark abyss of hell, 
All bathed in one eternal fire ! 

8 But, fly to that great Fount of Blood, 
And wash thy robe, and make it white, 

Ere the Holy Spirit of God 

Shall take His everlastino- flio-ht ! 



Father, Increase my Love for Jesus. K M. 

1 Father, increase my love 

For Jesus and his cause. 
Make me as harmless as a dove, 

But wise in all thy laws. 

"^ 2 Make me as humble, too, 
As Thy own lovely Son, 
That all I say and all I do, 
May in Thy fear be done. 

3 Every act control ; 

Remove each vain design. 
With all Thy fullness fill mv son), 

And make me wh(»Iiv Tliiia-. • 

Is MY Name AVritten in tjik Book of Life? 

1 When Christ shall open Life's fair book. 
And through its golden pages look, 
Oh ! wiU my name be there ? 



32 THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR ; 

Or will He sentence me to dwell 
With all the damned, cast out in hell, 
God's all-lierce wrath to hear ? 

2 My name has been recorded here 
With those who worship God with fear, 

And on His grace rely ; 
But, oh ! have I '' that better part," 
Which would cheer up my fainting heart, 

Were I now called to die ? 

3 I often with God's people meet, 
And with them bow at Jesus' feet, 

And seem to be sincere ; 
But, when His dreadful trump shall sound, 
Will I among His saints be found, 

Or with the damned appear? 

4 I now profess to love His name. 
And with my lips I do proclaim 

The wonders of His love ; 
But do I feel a word I say, 
Or is my heart far, far away 

From Him that rules above ? 

5 I eat the flesh and drink the blood 
Of the all-precious Lamb of God ; 

But ah ! have I that faith 



OK, MiSCKLLANEOl S POETRY. 

Which ever works by love divine, 
And cleanses Ironi each vain design, 
And shrinks not at grim death? 

('» Great God, from me bid sin depart, 
And make mv troubled, roving heart 

Thy Spirit's dwelling-place; 
That He may teach me how to pray, 
And that I may feel ev'ry day 

The power of sovereign grace. 

7 And when Thy awful trump shall sound. 
My worthless name will then be found 

In Life's fair book above ; 
Then I will Thy great name adore, 
And sweetly sing forevermore, 

A Saviour's dving love. 



Jesus' Eesignatiox. L, M. 

1 " O, Father, if it be Tliy will. 
Kemove from me death's bitter cup ; 

But how shall I my Word fulfil 
Lest I shall freely drink it up 1 

2 " For I lay all my glory by, 
To suffer in the sinner's stead : 



M THE UNEXPECTED visitor; 

80, then, that he may never die, 

Pour Thy tierce wrath upon my liead ! 

o " For that the lost may be restored, 

To die, I once was set apart ; 
Thei'efore, thrust justice's flaming sw^ord 

Into my guiltless, tender heart I 

4 " Let me bear all the piercing pains 
Which would have been the sinner's lot. 

Had he been bound by Satan's chains. 

In hell's flames, where the worm dies not I 

5 "Because Thy holy law demands 
That he who sins shall surely die; 

So I will die with bleeding hands, 
And Thy strict justice satisfy !" 

6 So, the all-lovely Son of God 
Suffered unto His dying breath ; 

And all stained with His precious blood, 
He drank the very dregs of death ! 

7 Alas! what more could He have said? 
And, oh ! what more could He have done ! 

Since He so freely groaned and bled. 
That all a dreadful hell mav shun! 



OR, MISCELLANEOUS POETRY. oO 

My Hopes and My Fear??. L. M. 

1 Now I have many trials here, 

And oft am racked by pierchig {)ains; 
But far beyond this mortal sphere, 
An endless rest for me remains, 

2 My heart is often filled with grief, 
And I have many doubts and fears; 

But, ah ! the time is very brief. 

Till ''God shall wipe away all tears." 

o On trouble's sea I oft ani tossed, 

Its surging waves around me roll ; 
My brightest hopes would all be lost. 

If Jesus cared not for my soul ! 

4 But I have washed my garments white 

In that great '' fountain filled with blood ;" 
And I shall soon rest day and night - 
In the fair Paradise of God. 

5 I shall forevermore behold 

My loving Saviour's smiling face; 
And I shall walk the streets of gold, 
Arrayed in all His charming grace I 

(> Yea, I shall reign in spotless white; 
From sin and pain I shall be free; 



of) THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR; 

And I shall liave the blood-bought right 
To pluck the fruit from Life's fair tree! 

7 So let me welconu' grief and pain, 
And even deatli, my greatest foe; 

For I sliall very sjiortly reign 

Where sorrow's storm shall never blow. 



My Fok.mi;i! axj) ISIy T>a ttku ('(jxdition. S.M. 

1 once took great delight 
In praising Jesus' name; 

1 bore the cross each day and idglit, 
Despising all. the shame. 

2 Sinners could ]i()t cliarm ine, 
1 loved not this world's care; 

JJut I most dearly loved to be 
Witliin the house of prayer. 

I loved to bow my knees 
Before my Father's throne, 

And offer up my feeble pleas, 
In Jesus' name alone. 

4 And I took great delight 
In speaking for liis cause; 

1 meditated day and night 

In his delightful laws. 



OR, MISCELLAJs'EUUS PUETRY. -37 

5 But now I glory not 

In the cross which I bear; 
My love is neitlier cold noi- hot, 

When al the house of prayei"! 

B Praise is not sweet employ, 

I feel not Jesus' worth ; 
And neither do I now enjoy 

The pleasures of tlie earth ! 

7 For since 1 oft have named 

Him Avhose banner I've furled, 
vSo I am now truly ashamed 

To turn back to the world I 

S Thougli my deceitful heart 

Is almost tilled witii care, 
Yet I pretend to give a part 

To God, by formal prayer! 

9 How wretclied is my pnrt — 
I'm neither gold nor dross ; 

I carry the Avorld in my heart. 
And drag the blood-stained cross I 

10 Great God, by Thine own power. 
Quicken, Oh ! quicken me, 

That I may from this veiy hour 
Be all alive to Thee I 



-kS the unexpected visitor; 



My Home is in Heayex. 

1 My home is high in Heaven above, 

Let me go, let me go ; 
" To sing a Saviour's dying love," 
Let me go, let me go. 

2 For there shall be no sickness there, 
And I no piercing pains shall bear ; 
But 1 a crown of Life shall Avear, 

Let me go, let me go. 

."5 (Trim death can not invade that land. 

Let me go, let me go ; 
To ]-eign with (.'Jirist at God's right hand, 

Let me go, let me go. 

4 Sorrov, shall never till my heart. 
Tears from my eyes shall never start, 
Nor shall I from dear loved ones part, 
Let me go, lei me go. 

o And I shall from all labor cease, 

Let me go, let me go ; 
To live with Christ in perfect peace. 

Let me go, let me go. 

6 (Tod's praise shall be my sweet employ. 
Temptation shall no more annoy, 



89 



But I shall have unmingled joy, 
Let me go, let me go. 

7 I shall hunger and thirst no more, 

Let me go, let me go ; 
To meet that dear One gone before, 
Let me go, let me go. 

8 How happy I shall surely be. 
When I shall my Kedeemer see, 
Who sufiered, bled and died for me, 

Let me go, let me go I 

On Co:vr^[UNiON. L. 3/. 

1 Ere Jesus drew His dying breath. 
He showed an emblem of His death ; 
With bread His broken Hesh He showed, 
With crimson wine, the blood which flowed. 

'1 So we have now prepared a feast 
In mem'ry of on r great High Priest, 
Who slied His all-atoning blood. 
To sas'e us from the wrath of Ood ! 

o With broken bread we symbolize 
Our bruised and dying Sacrifice ; 
With crimson wine we well display 
The blood that washed our sins awav! 



40 THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR * 

4 But ere He said, "Take ye, and eat," 
Pie bowed before the mercy -seat ; 
So, let us bow, with one accord. 
And imitate our dying Lord. 

5 Then, after He had offered prayer, 
He kindly gave each one a share. 
And said, " For your eternal good, 

I must needs shed my precious blood I" 

6 So Ave would now commemorate 
The death of our great Advocate; 
And while we on this feast shall feed, 
Mav it be meat and drink indeed ! 



On Communion. i. M. 

1 Dear brethren, -we have met to-day, 
I trust, in our dear Saviour's name. 

That we may mournfully display 
An emblem of His bleeding frame. 

2 His flesh was bruised and crucified. 
Nailed to the cross of rugged wood ; 

A spear w^as thrust into his side, 

And there gushed forth water and blood! 



OR, MISCELLANEOUS POETKY. 41 

o Xow, in this broken bread we view 

The mangled, dying Son of God ; 
And this j^ure wine, of crimson hue, 

Well represents His precious blood ! 

4 So, while we siiall these things employ, 
As emblems of His flesh and blood, 

Oh ! may eacli one of us enjoy 
Communion witli the Son of God. 



Ox CoMMUNiox — Continued L. M. 

1 Brethren, oh ! let us now draw near 
To that great fountain, deep and clear, 
Which ilowed from Jesus' sacred side, 
When He was bruised and crucified I 

2 Let us fall at the very feet 

Of Plim whose flesh we shall soon eat ; 

Let us draw near the Son of God, 

Ere we shall drink His precious blood I 

8 Now may that blood cleanse us from sin. 

And make us wholly pure within, 

That we, in living faith divine, 

Mav eat this l)read and drijik this w'Mel 



42 THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR I 



Questions on Peayer. C. M. 

1 When ] approaeli the mercy -seat, 
In Jesus' name to pray, 

Do I feel, Avhile at His dear feet, 
The solemn words I say ? 

2 Or do I with these lips of clay, 
Draw near the God of love, 

While yet my heart is far away 
From Plim that rules above ? 

3 To God do I my guilt confess, 
And no self-merits take? 

Do T ask Him my soul to bless, 
Alone for Jesus' sake? 

4 When I approach my Father's face, 
In Jesus' name to plead, 

Do I ask Him to give me grace. 
Because I feel its need ? 

5 Or do I feel, when bowed in prayer, 
That I am w^hoUy clean ? 

That I the cross of Jesus bear. 
Of mortals to be seen? 

Great God, when I before Thee kneel, 
Impart thy grace to me, 



OK, MISCELLANEOIS POETRV. 48 

That I in deed and trntli may feel 
My real need of Thee. 

Shall Osb Deny the Faith ? L. M. 

1 Alas ! shall one of Adam's race 
Make his robe white in Jesus' blood ; 

Then so abuse His love and grace. 
That he shall bear the wrath of God ? 

2 Since sin once caused His sacred flesh 
To be nailed to the shameful tree, 

Shall He be crucified afresh 

By those whom His blood has niade iree? 

3 Yes; for the cares of this vain earth, 
And the deceitfulness of wealth, 

May fill the heart with carnal mirtli. 
And thus wholly destroy its healthi 

4 But, ah! let each say, "Is it 1 

That will make a ship- wreck of faith ; 
And by so doing crucify 

The Lord that loved me unto death I" 

5 Almighty God, forbid tliat one 

Whose heart has been made free from dross. 
Should now deny Thy weeping Son. 
And nail Him to the shameiuJ cioss! 



44 THE U?>' EXPECTED VISITOR; 

6 But, oh ! give him sustaining grace 
To conquer all the foes that rise, 

That he may run a faithful race, 

And at last win the blood-bought prize. 



The Safe Ship. L. M. 

1 There is a vessel, deep and Avide, 
Sailing on time's most rapid tide ; 
Her Captain is the Son of God, 

Her crew are those washed in Ills blood. 

2 This vessel has sufficient space 
For all of Adam's dying race ; 

Hence, all the world, the small and large, 
May come aboard now free of charge. 

3 This great ship never runs aground, 

And none shall be ship-wrecked or drowned ; 
Nor shall her glorious sails be furled 
Till she shall reach the better world. 

4 Aiitl those who on this ship embark 
Shall never more grope in the dark ; 
For Jesus is her brilliant light, 

And her true Pilot, dav and nights 



OH, MISCKLLANEorS POETRY. 4-') 

") And Ho at her great helm stands, 
And she obeVti His wise commands ; 
He rules her anchor and hei- sails. 
And over ev'rv storm prevails. 

t) Therefore, let all themselves equip, 
To enter Lile's glorious ship; 
For she will shortly cease to sail, 
And anchor far bevond this vale I 



The Certainty of a Ji'Dni\rEXT. L. M> 

1 "Rejoice, oh! young man, in thy youth," 
And Jet earth's pleasures cheer tlieo now; 

But, soon, before the Clod of truth, 
Tiiy stub))orn knees shall surely I'owl 

'1 Trample on Christ's most precious blood 

Which did for all thy sins atone; 
But soon a sin-avenging God 

Will bring thee trem'oling to His throne I 

.') (Tiieve thou the Holy Spirit, too, 

An<l all Christ's dying love defy ; 
l»nt, nil I thou shalt s.)on have to do 

With llim wlioju thou dost now denv I 



40 THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR; 

4 Eat thou, freely drink, and be gay, 

As though thou must not cross the flood ; 
But, ah ! in the great Judgment Day, 
Thou shalt give an account to God ! 

5 Still seek earth's sweet, seducing charms, 
And sport with God that gave thee breath, 

As though thou couldest measure arms 
With Him that holds the keys of death ! 

6 But, ah ! young man, remember well, 
That thy years shall soon reach their Bum; 

Then God will cast thee into hell. 

Where mercy's voice will never come ! 

7 The light of hope will never shine, 
To cheer thee in that dark abode ; 

So thou shalt drink the bitter wine 
Of the unmingled wrath of God ! 



The Little Boy That Died. L. M. 

1 How sweet it must be in childhood, 
To leave this world of doubts and fears, 

And return to the living God 

Who shall then ''wipe away all tears." 



UR, MISCELLANEOUS POETRY. 47 

2 Before the tender, thoughtless heart 
Has e'er felt sorrow's piercing stings, 

It must be pleasant to depart, 

To reign with the great King of kings. 

3 Ere an infant begins to learn 
To do evil instead of good, 

It must then be sweet to return 
To the fair Paradise of God. 

4 I once knew one with fair, blue eyes, 
And whose cheeks were a rosy red ; 

But now that dear one calmly lies 
In the dark mansions of the dead I 

5 He had lived only six short years, 
And another Spring showed its bloom, 

"When, amid many bitter tears, 
He was laid in the silent tomb I 

G He was a mother's only son. 

From whom it seemed she could not part ; 
"But, then," said she, ''God's will be done, 

Though bitter sorrow tills my heart I 

7 " Though I bitterly weep to-day. 

While gazing on his lifeless frame, 
Yet He that gave hath tak'n away, 

And blessed he His righteous name I 



48 THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR; 

8 "Farewell ! but 1 weep not for tliee, 
As those unsaved by sovereign grace ; 

For though fliou can'st not come to me. 
Yet I shall soon see thv fair face I" 



The Erkvity of I\1ortal Life. L. 31. 

1 Alas! how few troi!l)lGsome years 
Are allotted to mortal man; 

Yea, life, in this dark vale of tears, 
Is but a hand's breadtli or a span ; 

2 He comes forth like the blushing llower, 
Without one symptom of decay; 

But oft in an unluoked-for hour, 
He forever passes a-vvay ! 

o But yet, he toils to lay up gold. 
Dreaming not of time's speedy flight ; 

But life, when he shall become old, 
Will seem like a Avatch in the niglit! 

4 His golden moments roll as fast 
A.s the most sv/iftly flowing streaiA ; 

And when all liis days shall be past. 
Life will seem but a fleeting dream ! 

T) Then, oli ! vrhy is iie so coiicerned 
About wliav tl)i>; vnin world calls o-ood, 



UK, Ml.Sl'Kl.l.AXEOl S I'OETKV. 41* 

Since he sliall have i^o soon returned 
To the all-wise, heart-searchino* God ? 

() And tliougli he may own all this eai-th, 
And rule as king from pole to pole, 

Alas! what shall it all be wortii, 
If he shall lose his })reeious soul? 

7 Then may each one consider well 
The great frailty of flesh and blood, 

And speedily prepare to dwell 
In the fair P;iradise- of God ! 

8 For we shall nol ))e '" of few days 
And full of troulde," doubts and fears; 

But we shall sweetly sing God's praise 
Throusrh an eternitv of veirs I 



The rxcEHTAixTY OF Life. L. ^[. 

1 Behold how quickly death can seir.e 
A youth in all his prime and power; 

For death just like the passing breeze, 
Meets many mortals ev'ry hour! 

2 1 once knew one whose hopes were bright 
For many happy pleasures here ; 

For he dreamed not that death's dark night 
Was then so swiftly drawing near! 



50 THE UNEXPECTED visitor; 

8 His heart was always " of good cheer." 
Plis body couki much hardness brave ; 

Ilence, he seemed not to be so near 
The cold, dark chambers of the grave ! 

4 He sailed on time's most rapid stream, 
Seeking earth's sweet, seducing charms; 

For he did not then even dream 
Of ent'ring death's drear, icy arms ! 

5 But ah I when this world looked so fair, 
When life was even just in bloom — 

Alas ! death came all unaware, 

And quickly swept him to the tomb I 

6 This blooming youth whose race is run, 
Oft dreamed of many happy years; 

For he Avas only twenty -one, 

When called to leave this vale of tears. 

7 Hence, deatli resi)ects no size nor age, 
Neither the coward nor the brave; 

Nor can the noble and the sage 
Escape the cold and dreary grave. 

8 He regards not beauty's sweet charms, 
Nor does he care for moral worth ; 

But ah ! he lays his icy arms 
Upon the purest men on earth. 



OK. MISCELLANEOUS POETRY. 51 



The Fountain of Life. /.. M. 

1 *' There is a fountain," deep and clear, 
In which the soldier bathed his spear ; 
It yields an all-atoning flood, 

For it is filled with Jesus' blood. 

2 That blood can make the wounded whole, 
And wholly cure the sin^sick soul ; 

Yea, it can give the blind their sight, 

And wash their robes and make them white. 

3 The dying thief its virtue proved, 
Just ere he was from earth removed ; 
And it can save as w^ell to-day, 

As when it washed his sins away, 

4 Therefore, let all to it repair, 

And find blood-bought salvation there ; 
Because "it cleanses from all sin," 
And gives the sinner peace within. 



The Original Condition of Man, his Fall 

AND Redemption. L. M. 

1 When man first breathed life's vital breath, 
From sin's dark stains his soul was free; 

And never would have tasted death. 
Had he not touched the fatal ti'ec. 



iri THE UXEXPECTED VISITOK: 

2 But since its fruit yo pleased his eye, 
And to tlic taste it was so sweet, 

The Serpent said, " Thou shall not die, 
Thousjh thou should'st of it freely eat. 

o " But it will open wide thine eyes. 
That thou can'st evil knoAV and good ; 

Yea. thou shall then become as wise 
As the all-wiseand righteous God." 

4 So man submitted to the sway 
Of him that leads the soul aside; 

But, even in that very day. 

In that beauteous land, he died. 

5 Though he did not resign his breath, 
And moulder in the silent tomb, 

Yet temporal and endless death 

Wei'e fallen man's most wi-etched doom ! 

(» Hence, he to happiness was dead. 
And trouble took enjoyment's place; 

So he v.'ith sorrow must eat bread 
Made by tlie sweat of his own iace. 

7 For the great God who can not lie, 
Had issue<l tlie all -stern decree. 

That Adam should iinisi surely die, 
Sliould he toueii the for))idden tree! 



OR, MlSrEl.i.ANEOl'S POETRV. o''> 

S Alas! who can man's estate conceive 

When cast out of that fair a1)ode. 
.Since there was none who coukl reprieve 

The sentence' of an all- wise (rod? 

W For naught save the shedding of blood. 

Could make a perfect sacrifice, 
Which would appease the wratli of God, 

And let the fallen sinner rise. 

10 But, since tlie law was strictly pure, 
So it demanded guileless l)lood ; 

Hence, all were sentenced to endure 
The fierceness of ihe wrath of God I 

11 For none could sinless blood aftbrd, 
Since each in Adam's fall had part; 

So God must thrust His flaming sword 
Into every sinner's heart I 

12 But Clirist, who is all undetiled. 
Most freely shed his precious blood, 

By which He fully reconciled 
A just and sin-avenging God. 



THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR: 



The Backslider's Experience, C. M. 

1 Great God, Thy love I once enjoyed, 
In all its quick'ning powers; 

And Jesus' praise my heart employed 
For many happy liours. 

2 Because I knew no other theme. 
Save Jesus crucified, 

When I first saw the healing stream 
That flowed from His dear side. 

8 The world, with all its charming joy, 

Was crucified to me ; 
And nothing could ray heart employ, 

Save grateful praise to Thee. 

4 And I was also crucified 
To this vain world of sin ; 

And from my Saviour's bleeding side, 
I drank sweet pleasures in. 

5 I counted all earth's treasures dross, 
Compared with Heaven above ; 

I gloried in my Saviour's cross, 
When in mx warmest love. 



OR, MISCELLANE()U>S POETRY. ^0 

6 But ah ! the cross is heavy now, 
Which 1 once loved to bear ; 

For I with much reluctance bow, 
When I engage in prayer ! 

7 Hence, this vain world of mortal strife 
Has now almost destroyed 

The hope of everlasting life, 
Which 1 so much enjoyed I 

8 Almighty God, restore to me 
Thy free salvation's joy, 

That heart-felt, grateful praise to Thee 
May be my sweet employ ! 



The Backsi.ider's Prayer. C. 3f. 

1 Great God, revive my soul once more, 
Which Thou hast often blest ; 

And oh! that perfect peace restore, 
Which can not be expressed. 

2 It can not impoverish Thee 
To make me rich indeed; 

And Thou can'st not the richer be. 
To let me vainly plead. 



i)b THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR : 

o For Thy free mercv, Lord, is such, 

By which I daily live, 
That I can never ask as much 

As Thou cans't freely give. 

4 So then, for Tiiine own mercy's sake, 
Hear my imperfect prayer ; 

And of my heart possession take, 
And reiffn forever there I 



The Day of Woxdkrs. 

1 There shall be a day of wonders — 
Such as never has been known : 

God's great trump, like many thunders, 
Shall be heard from zone to zone. 

2 The golden sun shall be darkened, 
The moon shall be turned to blood; 

Then those v/ho have never hearkened 
Shall heed the great voice of God ! 

o Heaven's pillars shall be shaken, 
The stars shall be hurled abroad, 

When He who was once forsaken. 
Shall sound the great trump of God 1 



OR, MISCELLANEOUS POETRY. 0/ 

4 E^arth shall quake to her foundation, 

Time shall forever expire; 
And then all mortal creation 

Shall he wra])ped in flaming lire I 

o All who now are calmly ^^leeping, 

Shall lly to a world unknown ; 
Some rejoicing, others weeping, 

As they near the ''great, white throne!" 

G Jesus shall be seen appearing. 

Clothed in garments clean and white ; 

To His people, " oh ! how cheering " 
Will be that beautiful sight! 

7 For they shall gain that pure treasure 
Which shall never fade away ; 

And they shall have sweetest pleasure, 
During one eternal day. 

8 But, alas ! how those shall treni])le 
Who tramp on his precious blood, 

When they must needs all assemble 
In the grand presence of God. 

i* For the voice of free salvation 

Shall no more speak to the soul ; 
So they must bear hell's damnation, 

While eternal ages roll I 



58 THE UNEXPECTED visitor: 



The Attbibutes of God. L.3f. 

1 GocVs great wisdom can not be told, 
His free mercy fills boundless space; 

And oh ! what mortal can unfold 
The riches of Hi^; Avondrous grace? 

2 For He with whom we have to do, 
Knows even each unspoken Ayord ; 

His Word is quick and mightv, too, 

" And sharper than a two-edged sword !" 

3 His love's great height no tongue can tell ; 
'Tis Avider than the earth beneath, 

'Tis deeper than the lowest hell, 

And stronger than the bars of death ! 

4 For Jesus, " by the grace of God," 
Once groaned and died upon the tree, 

And there shed His most precious blood, 
To set the vilest sinner free. 

5 Now, a mother may cease to love 
Even her only infant son ; 

But He that rules in Heaven above, 
Will not forget the faithful one. 

For, as a father pity shows 

To his kind so)\ or daughter dear. 



OR, MISCELLANEOUS POETRY. 

80 God ever pitietli those 

Who truly worship Him witli fear. 

7 And as regards His purity, 
None can a true description give; 

Jiut this we know : no man can see 
His all-glorious face and live I 

8 And He is so righteously just, 
That He respects no special race ; 

But the vilest worm of the dust, 

Mav be saved bv His wondrous irrace. 



Thk Unsafe Ship. L. M. 

1 A ship whose sails are all unl'urleil, 
Is sailing to an endless world ; 

Her captain is the Prince of hell. 

Her creAV are those who serve him welL 

2 This vessel is so deep and wide. 
That all the world on her may ride ; 
And more than e'er died by the sword 
Have now already come aboard. 

o And still her captain daily cries, 
•'Come, ev'ry age and ev'ry size ; 
For this vessel as safely glides 
As the great ship which Jesus guides. 



60 THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR; 

4 " For I at her great helm stand, 
And she obeys my least command ; 
I rule her anchor and her sails, 
And I can brave the fiercest gales." 

•3 But wilt thou know, oh! blooming youth, 
That in Satan "there is no trutlT?" 
Hence, if thou wilt believe his lies, 
Tiiou shalt soon sink no more to rise I 

For she can n(jt withstand the gales, 
As the fierce storms will burst her sails; 
So she will surely run aground, 
And all her crew in hell be drowned ! 

7 Therefore, let none on her embark, 
But all enter the Gospel bark ; 

For He who ever rules her sails, 
Over the fiercest storm prevails. 

8 The great sea once obeyed His will ; 
He bade the mighty winds be still. 
And said to those all filled with fear, 
" Be not afraid, for I am here." 

y Who would not trust his precious soul 
To Him who rules from pole to pole; 
Who numbers all the grains of sand. 
And holds " the waters " in His hand? 



UR, MliSCELLA\E(JU.S PUKTKY. (^ 



The Spirit and the Bride >Sav, Co:me." X. J/. 

1 BL'hold, the Bri<le, tiie fair I.ain])'s \\ik\ 
Bids all come to the fount of Life, 

And there drinl< as never before ; 
Yea, freely drink, and thirst no more.. 

2 For she has its great virtue {)rove<l, 
As it has all her sins lemoved ; 

And now slie Avould that all the earth 
Would come and test its real woitli. 

.') Siie once was nailed, poor and blin(i, 
But He who died for all mankind, 
Clothed her and gave her moral siglu. 
And now she walketh in the light. 

4 .Vnd now she would that all would come, 
The rich, the poor, the deaf, the dumb ; 
That all the poor may riches gain, 

And all the blind their sight obtain. 

5 And Clirist, in Avhom that fountain rose. 
Bids all come Avhile it freely Hows, 

That they may all be puriiie(i. 
And thus become His happy l)ride. 

6 The Spirit of the living God 
Bids all fly to tliat precious blood 



62 THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR I 

Which can efface the foulest stains, 
And loose the sinner's slavish chains. 

7 And God now wills that all would lly 
To that great fount, and freely buy 
Pure wine, milk, honey, and that bread 
Which endless life gives to the dead. 

8 Now, sinner, since all these invite, 
Wilt thou all their entreaties slight ? 
Wilt thou God's all-fierce wrath defy, 
And in all thy wickedness — die! 

y Almighty God, for Jesus' sake, 
Now bid the carnal dead awake, 
Tliat He may give them moral sight. 
And blood-washed robes of spotless white. 



The Prayer of the Publicax and the Pharisee. 

L. 31. 

1 Behold the moral Pharisee, 
Whose soul has not been born again ; 

Hear ye him cry, " God, I thank Thee 
That I am not like other men." 

2 Behold how gracefully he stands, 
Clothed in a long robe, white and clean; 

Behold how lie lifts up his hands, 
That he may be more plainly seen. 



OR, MISCELLANEOUS POETRY. <)-j 

See with what assurance he pleadf^, 
While standing- at the mercy-seal ; 

As though God man's righteousness needs, 
To make His own wholly complete. 

4 " God, I come here daily to pray, 
While others earth's vain treasures seek ; 

1 always keep the Sabbath day, 
And I do fast twice ev'ry week. 

5 " I pay my legal tithes to Thee, 
I covet not my neighbor's goods ; 

And I am altogether free 

From adultery and falsehoods, 

G " I steal not, neither do I bear 

False witness against any one ; 
Therefore, God, accept Thou my prayer 

For the good deeds that I have done. 

7 " I never eat with unwashed hands, 
Nor do I curse Thee to Thy face ; 

Yea, I do all Thy law demands, 

Hence, I merit Thy love and grace." 

8 But, ah I the Publican exclaimed, 
"O, God, be merciful to me ; 

Because I am truly ashamed 
To lift mv sinful eves to Thee. 



64 THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR ; 

9 " I have sinned again and again, 
Yet thou hast ever h)ved me well ; 

Hence, I must needs exclaim, Amen, 
Shouklest thou cast me into hell. 

10 '■ For I am all bruises and sores, 

I have not one drop of pure blood ; 
Yea, sin comes forth at all my pores, 
And well deserves Thy wrath, (), God! 

11 '' But Thou, that can'st the dead awake, 
And that can'st make the living die, 

Alone for Thine own mercy's sake, 
Hear my im})erfect, humble cry ! 

12 " Because Thou dost take no delight 
In the death of the soul that dies; 

Therefore, wash my dark garments white. 
And open Thou my blinded eyes 1" 

13 Now, he that cried, " Pity Thou me," 
Was justified through Jesus' blood; 

But ah! the moral Plunisee 

Still deserved the fierce wrath of drod ! 

14 So then, he that highly exalts 
Himself, shall surely be abased ; 

But he that shall confess his faults, 

Shall be saved bv God's wondrous grace. 



65 



15 Therefore, let us ourselves abase, 
Humbly confessing ev'ry crime, 

That God may, by His wondrous grace, 
Highly exalt us in due time. 



The Memory of Childhood. L. M. 

1 HoAV sweet it is to meditate 

On those fair days of my childhood ; 
When I was in a happy state, 
Since I knew not evil from good. 

2 My heart was free from doubts and fears, 
And trouble ne'er took pleasure's place; 

Nor dreamed I of the bitter tears 

Which since have trickled down my face. 

3 No earthly care disturbed my rest, 
And, oh ! I no such sorrow knew 

As since has filled my aching breast. 
While bidding dear, loved ones adieu ! 

4 For I knew not, in childhood years, 
That those with whom I loved to roam 

Must soon leave this dark vale of tears, 
And fly to their eternal home. 

5 But, ah ! I learned in manhood years, 
That my best friends must soon depart; 



66 THE UNEXPECTED visitor; 

My face has oft been batlied in tears, 
While bitter sorrow filled mv heart. 



6' The thunder of Mount Sinai, 

Filled not my heart with "guilty dread;" 
For I kneAV not that I must die, 

And meet the Judge of quick and dead. 

7 How happy I must then have been, 
Engaged in childhood's sweet pursuits, 

Ne'er having sown the seeds of sin. 
Nor ever reaped "its bitter fruit," 

8 But, ah! how changed is now my state, 
Since I now know evil and good ; 

Yet still I love to meditate 
On the happiness of childhood. 

9 But, alas ! those most pleasant hours 
Shall never more return to me, 

Till I shall pluck immortal flowers 
In the cool shade of Life's fair tree. 

10 But then I shall be free from fears. 
From doubts, trouble, sorrow and pain ; 

"And God shall wipe away all tears," 
And I shall never weep again ! 



OR, MISCELLANEOUS POETRY. (37 



The Little Boy's Narrow Escape. L. M. 

[Written from au incident related by a Minister.] 

1 A little boy, one pleasant day, 
Went to the railroad track to play ; 
But, ah ! while there all free from fear, 
Behold! a train of cars drew near ! 

2 The father saw his little son, 

But Avhat, to save him, could be done ; 
For there seemed but a fleeting breath 
Until he must be crushed to death ! 

3 And had the father s^entured nigh, 
Both, in the twinkling of an eye. 

Would have been wholly bruised and slain, 
By the swiftly approaching train ! 

4 Therefore, seeing that none could save 
His little infant from the grave, 

He cried aloud, in solemn tone, 

" Lie down, Johnny, lie down, lie down," 

5 And to the father's sweet surprise. 
He lay down on the railroad ties ; 
And there did he calmly remain. 
Till o'er him passed the heavy train I 

6 And when the train had passed away. 
The little boy rose up to play, 



68 THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR; 

And said, in a most pleasant voice, 
" Father, it made a dreadful noise." 

7 How truly tllis scene represents 
Poor, fallen man, ere he repents ; 
For he travels every day 

On a more dangerous railway. 

8 Because, this broad and gloomy road 
Leads down to hell, that dark abode, 
Where man shall drink, at every breath, 
The bitt'rness of eternal death ! 

9 The car of Justice, all divine. 
Is now on this great railroad line, 
Guided by Him who shed His blood, 
Filled with the all-fierce wrath of God ! 

10 And God, whose love man oft has spurned, 
Beholds him there, air unconcerned; 

But, ah ! He will not clasp his hand, 
And lead him to the better land. 

11 But He says to every one, 

" Fall at the feet of my dear Son ; 
Yea, to His bleeding side repair, 
For my wrath can not hurt thee there !" 

12 But man, just like that little boy, 
hStill delights in this world's vain joy ; 



OR, MISCELLANEOUS POETRY. 69 

He tramps on Christ's most precious blood, 
Defying all the wrath of God ! 

13 Bat that great day is drawing near, 
When man, who is so free from fear, 
Shall stand, with fear before unknown. 
Trembling before the " great white throne !" 



The Story of the Cross. 9, 6, 8. 

1 " By faith I view my Saviour " weeping, 

On His knees, on His knees, 

While His disciples were all sleeping 

At there ease, at their ease. 

2 What ! could they not stay one short hour 
With their dear Lord on His watch-tower, 
Or must he meet the Tempter's power. 

All alone, all alone? 

3 Then I behold Him prostrate lying. 

On His face, on His face ; 
And in His spirit deeply sighing — 
Wondrous grace, wondrous grace! 

4 Alas ! is Jesus Christ denied ? 
Must He be bruised and crucified ? 
Must blood gush forth from His dear side. 



70 THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR; 

5 Yes, all His disciples forsook Him, 

Bowed with grief, bowed with grief; 
And soon a band of soldiers took Him 
To their chief, to their chief! 

6 While bowed beneath sin's heavy load, 
I see the sweat, like drops of blood. 
Oozing from the dear Son of God — 

Wondrous love, wondrous love ! 

7 Then, I behold Him meekly bearing 

Scoffs and scorns, scoffs and scorns ; 
And I also behold Plini wearing 

Piercing thorns, piercing thorns. 

8 I see Him from the h all depart, 
And to Calvary meekly start ; 
But, ah ! the feelings of his heart 

None can tell, none can tell ! 

9 Then, I behold them crucifying 

God's dear Son, God's dear Son ; 
All pierced by nails I hear Him crying, 
" It is done, it is done." 

1% Then, I behold the crimson flood. 
Clear water mixed with precious blood, 
Streaming from the dear Son of God, 
Down the cross, down the cross ! 



OR, MISCELLANEOUS POETRY. 71 

11 The temple, to its strong foundation, 

Rent in. twain, rent in twain; 
Was ever there so great salvation, 
Or such pain, or such pain ? 

12 The earth did quake; the solid stones 
Were rent at Jesus' dying groans ; 

Ah ! was such love ever known ? 
Surely not, surely not I 



Thouc4Hts ox the Grave, the Resurrection, 

AND Final Judgment. 8, 6. 

1 There is a land of deepest gloom, 
Solemn thought, solemn thought ; 

The dreary regions of the tomb. 
Solemn thought, solemn thought ! 

2 And I must shortly pass away, 
And remain in the silent clay, 
Till the great resurrection day, 

■ Solemn thought, solemn thought ! 

3 Then I must leave death's dreary bed, 
Solemn thought, solemn thought, 

To meet the Judge of quick and dead. 
Solemn thought, solemn thouglit ! 

4 Because God, who is so benign, 
Will then lay juds:ment to the line, 



72 THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR ; 

And judge me with His truth divine, 
Solemn thought, solemn thought ! 

5 Alas ! would I receive a crown. 

Solemn thought, solemn thought, 1 

Should Christ now in the clouds come down ? 
Solemn thought, solemn thought ! 

6 For God will to the plummet lay 
My righteousness in that great day, 
And judge all I shall do and say ; 

Solemn thought, solemn thought ! 

7 But I have washed in Jesus' blood. 
Cheering thought, cheering thought ; 

And I, by faith, have peace with God, 
Cheering thought, cheering thought ! 

8 So, when I shall from death arise, 
To meet my Saviour in the skies, 

I shall gain a glorious prize ; 

Cheering thought, cheering thought ! 



The Cloud of Wbath. 

1 Alas ! a cloud of darkest hue. 

Once hung beneath man's moral sky, 

On which he could most plainly view 
The sentence, " Thou shalt surely die." 



OR, MISCELLANEOUS POETRY. 73 

2 For Le had eaten of tliat fniit, 
To which he had not access free ; 

So the ax was laid at the root 
Of ev'ry vile and fruitless tree. 

3 And Justice cried, "Cut down the tree, 
And cast it into flaming fire/' 

To burn through all eternity, 

Far, far beneath God's dreadful ire. 

4 But Mercy 'xclaimed, "Spare, oh! spare 
Those whom Thou hast sentenced to die ; 

And I will all their dark crimes bear. 
And Thy strict justice satisfy. 

5 " I will hang up my robe and crown, 
To save man, whom I love so well, 

From sinking beneath thy dread frown. 
Deep in the dark abyss of hell !" 

6 So, Christ took man's great load of guilt, 
And to Mount Calvary He trod ; 

And there His precious blood He spilt. 
And satisfied an angry God. 

7 And now He cries, " Come unto me. 
For I drove that dark cloud away ;" 

And now each one may plainly see 

The words, "The Saviour calls to-day." 



74 THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR ; 

8 And Justice's sword is laid away, 
Sealed with Jesus' most precious blood, 

Not to be used till that grsat day. 
When all shall meet the living God ! 

9 Then, God will that same saber wield, 
For His fierce wrath must needs be poured ; 

But, alas ! what power then can shield 
The naked soul from that sharp sword ? 

10 For Christ will not cry, " Spare, oh ! spare ' 
Those who tramp on His precious blood ; 

But He will cry, " Oh ! let them bear 
The fierceness of the wrath of God !" 

11 Then, sinner, while yet Jesus cries, 
"Spare, spare, oh! spare the evil tree," 

From death's dark chambers quickly rise, 
And He indeed will make you free. 



The Gospel Feast. L. M. 

1 Behold, the gospel feast is spread, 
And Jesus bids all freely eat, 

For whom He bowed His sacred head. 
With bleeding hands and bleeding feet. 

2 The Spirit and the bride invite 

To Life's great fountain, dee^^ and pure, 



OR, MISCELLANEOUS POETRY. (0 

Where tliey may wash their garments white, 
And everhisting life secure. 

3 And God himself bids ev'ry one 
Drink now from free salvation's well ; 

Since He once sent His lovely Son, 
To save all from a dreadful hell ! 

4 Therefore, let all from sleep awake. 
And quickly rise up from the dead,* 

That each one freely may partake 
Of this great feast of living bread. 



The Great Da:nger of Grievixg the Hota' 

Spirit of God. L. M. 

[Written from what a Munster saw and heard.] 

1 Alas! what a most fearful thing 
It is to slight Christ's dying love ; 

For it gives death a piercing sting. 

And bars the soul from Heaven above. 

2 It makes the sinner's dying bed 
A dreary place of deepest gloom; 

It fills his heart " with guilty dread," 
And adds more darkness to the tomb. 

3 I once knew one whose locks were white, 
"When death's cold arms on him were laid; 

And, alas ! all was dark as night. 
For he had never, never prayed I 



76 THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR ; 

4 Concerned about his soul's welfare, 
I quickly entered his abode, 

That I might urge him to prepare 
To meet a sin-avenging God. 

5 I asked him whether he would pray, 
As God's mercy fills boundless space ; 

That even in his dying day 
He might be saved by God's free grace. 

6 I told him of the saving power 
Of Jesus' all-atoning blood ; 

And that one, in his dying hour, 
Escaped the all-fierce wrath of God ! 

7 But he replied, " All true enough, 
But I have so abused free grace, 

That I will not throw my lamp's snufF 
In my all-pure Creator's face ! 

8 " For He has spared me many years, 
And I have ever prospered well; 

But I must soon, with fruitless tears. 
Enter the dark abyss of hell ! 

9 " The Spirit often wooed my heart. 
When life was in its power and prime ; 

But then, I said, 'From me depart. 
And come a more convenient time.' 



OR, MISCELLANEOUS POETRY. 77 

10 "But, ah! that time has not appeared, 
And it is a most solemn thought, 

That my whole heart is now so seared, 
That all Christ's love affects. me not! 

11 "But then, since I would not prepare 
To live in His bright, fair abode. 

So it is just that I shall bear 
The fierceness of the wrath of God !" 

12 I asked him whether I might kneel ; 
But he replied, in solemn tone, 

" Ah ! no ; because I can not feel. 

For my heart seems as hard as stone ! 

13 " And God will not now let thee pray ; 
And my heart is in such a frame. 

That He will turn His ear away, 
If I now call upon His name !" 

14 But" this seemed more than I could bear, 
To see him in his sins depart; 

So I knelt down to offer' prayer, 

That God might melt his frozen lieart! 

15 Although the tears rolled down my cheek, 
At what I had with sorrow heard, 

But yet, alas ! I could not speak 
A prayer, nor utter ev'n one word ! 



78 THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR; 

16 So, I arose, all bathed with tears, 
But none can my feelings portray ; 

For ne'er before, for fifty years. 
Had God forbidden me to pray ! 

17 And then, said he, with languid breath, 
" Ere I reach vast eternity — 

Even upon the verge of death, 
I make my last request of thee : 

18 "When my poor, guilty soul shall reach 
That dreary world of black despair, 

It is my will that thou shalt preach 
My funeral, with my face bare ! 

16 And when thou shalt have ceased to speak 
Of Him whom thou hast loved so Avell, 

Say, with thy hand oil my cold cheek, 
' A soul forever damned in hell !' " 

20 But I, alas! at first refused 
To preach the funeral of one 

Who had so shamefully abused 
The dying love of God's dear Son ! 

21 " But then," said he, in great despair, 
"I ask thee not for my own good. 

But that my dear friends may prepare 
To meet the burning wrath of God!" 



OR, MISCELLA2\E0US POETRY. 7i> 

22 Now, wlien he spoke of others' good, 
I could no more reject his plea ; 

Lest the all-wise, heart-searching God 
Should their dear sonls require of me I 

23 So, when his guilty soul had reached 
That dreary world of black despair, 

I tlien with bitter sorrow preached 
His fun'ral, with liis face all bare! 

24 And then, when I had ceased to speak. 
And bidden him a long farewell, 

I said, with my hand on his cheek, 
" A soul forever damned in hell I" 

25 But worship was " a task " indeed, 
And duty was a heavy " load;" 

Hence, I did ne'er so greatly need 
Tlie all sustaining srrace of God ! 



The Great Importance of Being on Our 

Watch-Tower. S. M. 

1 Let us so spend our days, 

That we shall have no dread 
To stand before the God we praise, 

And hear our sentence read. 



80 THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR; 

2 Let us not be unwise. 
Like those five virgins fair, 

Who once awoke with sad surprise, 
For, lo! the groom was there! 

3 But their lamps gave no light, 
To drive away the gloom ; 

Yet, they all rose up at midnight, 
To meet their coming groom. 

4 Then, there was heard the shout 
Of "give us oil to-night; 

Because our lamps are all gone out. 
And we are without light !" 

5 " But," said the other five, 
" We have just oil enough 

To give light till Ave shall arrive 
Beyond the river's bluff. 

6 " But ye can thus prepare : 
Go quickly out and buy ; 

And ye have now no time to spare, 
For, lo ! the groom is nigh ! 

7 "And soon the fair groom's door 
Must needs be fastened tight ; 

And ye shall chosen be no more, 
If ye shall fail to-night!" 



OR, MISCELLANEOUS POETRY. 81 

8 So let us ever toil, 
Till Jesus shall return, 

To have our lamps all filled with oil. 
And well prepared to burn. 

9 For Christ, our fair bridegroom, 
May call us at midnight ; 

But, ah ! we will not dread the gloom, 
If our lamps give bright light! 

10 And then, Avhen we shall meet 
Beyond grim death's dark flood. 

Each shall have a beautifull seat 
At the right hand of God. 

11 Then, Christ will kindly spread 
The wedding table wide ; 

And He will give the living bread 
To His fair, blood-washed bride. 



Viewing Jesus in Pkayer. LJl. 

1 By faith I view the lonely place, 
Where Jesus bowed in prayer to God ; 

I see the sweat stream down His face. 
Yea, as it were great drops of blood ; 



THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR ; 

2 I hear Him cry with knguid breath, 
With grief felt by no other one, 

" Father remove the cup of death, 
Though not my will, but Thine be done." 

3 And yet, that cup was not removed. 
But, ah ! He drank it on the tree ; 

And by His death, He clearly proved 
That He loved man beyond degree, 

4 His tender hands and feet were nailed, 
The blood gushed from His sacred veins ; 

But, soon. He over death prevailed, 

And bound the Prince of hell in chains. 

5 Methinks I see Him pass away. 

His face all bathed in blood and tears; 
And, O, I hear Him sweetly say, 
'' Dcvspairing soul, dismiss thy fears ! 

6 "For Ihave met the law's demands. 
Since on my head God's wrath was poured; 

And even now in my own hands, 
I hold strict justice's flaming sword. 

7 "And that sword shall not pierce thy breast 
For in thy stead, I felt its stings ; 

So, thou canst now securely rest 
Beneath the shadow of my wings." 



OR, MISCELLANEOUS POETRY. 

8 What a glorious rest indeed ! 

So then, let all to it repair ; 
For none shall ever suffer need, 

Who humbly make their dwelling there. 



Vain Man, thou Mayest now Laugh. L. M. 

1 Alas! vain man, thou may'st now laugh. 
But, thou shalt weep in that great day. 

When even thou, just like the chaff, 
Shalt be forever swept away ! 

2 Thou may'st now trample on the blood 
Of Him who loved thy soul so well ; 

But soon, the all-fierce wrath of God 
Shalt surely sweep thee into hell ! 

3 And thou may'st now refuse to kneel 
Before the God that gave thee breath ; 

But thou shalt very shortly feel 
The keen pangs of "the second death!" 

4 For God will not be mocked by thee, 
But, men shall reap just what they sow; 

So thou, through all Eternity, 
Shalt reap irretrievable woe ! 



84 THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR ; 

5 Ah ! wretched doom, but strictly just, 
Since Christ for thee once shed His blood : 

But, thou hast trampled in the dust, 
The bleeding mercy of thy God ! 



Vain Man, how Canst thou Meet thy Judge? 

S.M. 

1 Vain man, how canst thou meet 
" The terrors of that day," 

When the heavens, dissolved by heat, 
Shall quickly pass away? 

2 When earth, from pole to pole, 
Shall burn as the dry grass, 

Alas ! where shall thy naked soul 
Obtain a hiding place ? 

3 And then thou need'st not say, 
" Ye waters, cover me ;" 

Because, in that tremendous day, 
"There shall be no more sea !" 

4 And still thou need'st not say, 
" Ye great cliffs, fall on me ; " 

For they shall then have passed away — 
Then, oh! where shalt thou flee? 



OR, MISCELLANEOUS POETRY. 85 

5 HoAV canst thou bear to see 
Thy Maker, face to face, 

Who has so kindly offered thee 
The riches of His grace ? 

6 And oh ! how can thy heart 
Endure the piercing thought 

Of hearing Jesus say, " Depart ! 
Because I know thee not ! " 

7 How can'st thou say farewell 
To those so dear to thee? 

How bear the surging flames of hell. 
Through all Eternity ! 



Vain Man, Why Wilt Thou Be Lost? S. 31 

1 Vain man, why wilt thou sink 

To hell, that dark abode. 
Where thou forevermore shalt drink 

The unmixed wrath of God ? 



That He died for thy soul. 
Why bear the quenchless flame of hell. 
While etidless ages roll ? 



86 THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR; 

3 Why dost tlioii toil so hard, 
The flesh to satisfy ; 

And to thy soul pay no regard — 
Thy soul that can not die ? 

4 The value of thy soul 
Shall be to thee best known, 

When Christ shall call the judgment roll, 
And cast thee from His throne ! 

5 But then, too late, too late ! 
Will be thy bitter cry ; 

■ So thou shalt enter hell's strong gate, 
And there forever die ! 



Vain Man, Forsake thy Caenal Mirth. L. M. 

1 Vain man, forsake thy carnal mirth, 
And seek the welfare of thy soul ; 

For thou wilt know its real v/orth, 
When cast where flaming billows roll. 

2 Compare the joys of this vain world 
With all the pains of black despair, 

To which thou surely must be hurled. 
To w^eep and wail forever there ! 

2 Earth's pleasures can not long endure, 
For thou must soon lie in the clay ; 



OR, MISCELLANEOUS POETRY. 

Then, oh ! wliy dost thou not secure 
A treasure which fades not aAvay ? 

4 Now, since thy precious soul has cost 
The death of God's all-lovely Son, 

Oh ! shall it be forever lost, 

In spite of all that Jle has done? 

5 Oh ! no, poor sinner ; fly to-day 

To that great " fountain filled with blood ; 
And there Avash all thy sins away. 
And thus become an heir of God. 



Vain Man, Delay no More. *S'. 31 

1 Vain man, delay no more 
To leave the paths of sin ; 

But, while Christ knocks at your heart's door, 
Oh ! let him enter in. 

2 He holds salvation's cup, 
Purchased with His own blood ; 

And, oh ! will you refuse to sup 
With the dear Son of God ? 

3 Think of the scoff^s and scorns 
Which He bore in your stead ; 

Think of the crown of rugged thorns 
That pierced His sacred head ! 



THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR ; 

4 Think of His dying, too, 
"Nailed to the shameful tree;" 

Now, oh ! what more could Jesus do, 
To set poor sinners free ? 

5 But, shall Jesus still knock 
At vour heart's door in vain ? 

Will vou be harder than the rocks 
Which His death rent in twain? 

6 He will not always knock, 
If you refuse to hear ; 

But, ah ! the living God will mock, 
When Cometh all your fear. 



Were the Disciples Always in Battle Array ? 

L. M. 

1 Were the disciples, of the Lord- 
At all times in battle array? 

Or did they not, with sweet accord 

Once wholly cease to watch and pray ? 

2 Yes, 'midst that fatal night's alarms. 
Just ere their Captain was arraigned, 

They calmly slumbered on their arms, 
As though the great prize was obtained ! 



OR, 



89 



3 What ! could they not watch one short hour 
With Him who loved their souls so well? 

Or did He alone meet the power 
Of Satan, the great Prince of hell ? 

4 Yes, for they left Him all alone, 
Exposed to many bitter foes ; 

Nor could e'en His most bitter groan 
Awake them from their calm repose ! 

5 But, while He most bitterly wept, 
When bowed upon His feeble knees, 

His loved disciples sweetly slept. 
Seeming to be at perfect ease ! 

6 Alas ! His sorrow was so great. 
While praying all alone to God, 

That He, when in that wretched state, 
SAveat, as it were, great drops of blood ! 

7 Yet they came not to His relief. 
But still continued He to pray, 

Till angels, knowing of His grief, 

Came down and wiped His tears away. 

8 Oh ! what a sacred, holy sight ! 
Angels on earth, man's dark abode, 

All clothed in long robes, clean and white, 
Cheering the weeping Son of God. 



90 



9 And oh ! what welcome guests, indeed, 
For they came at the very hour 

When Jesus did so greatly need 
The Spirit's all-sustaining power. 

10 Then, having had His strength restored, 
He said, "Sleep on, and take your rest; 

For, soon shaH a glittering sword 
Be thrust into my tender breast!" 

11 So, when they from sweet sleep arose, 
They forsook the dear Son of God ; 

And soon, one of His hitter foes 

Bathed a spear in His precious blood ! 

12 Alas! how often I now sleep. 
Forgetting all Christ's dying love ; 

Which would cause the angels to weep, 
Could there be tears in Heaven above ! 

13 But, while I slumber at my ease, 
Forgetting dark Gethsemane, 

He who wept there upon His knees, 

Pleads at the "great white throne" for me. 

14 And may He never, never say, 
"Thou weary soul, close now thy eyes;" 

But may He help me watch and pray. 
Till I shall have won the great j)rize! 



OR, MISCELLANEOUS POETRY. 91 



Why have we Furled the Blood-Stained 

Banner? S. 31. 

1 Alas ! why have we furled 
The banner stained with blood ? 

All! have the cares of this vain world 
Choked out the Word of God ? 

2 For we once loved to speak 
Of things which we saw not ; 

But since our faith has grown so weak, 
We shudder at the thought ! 

3 We also loved to bow- 
Before the mercy -seat ; 

But, ah ! our love is so cold now, 
That we most seldom meet I 

4 Yet, we pretend to ask 
A blessing on our food ; 

But worship is indeed " a task," 
And duty is " a load !" 

5 Yea, we are so lukewarm, 
That we have no watch-tower ; 

Yet we have godliness in form, 
But we deny the power ! 



92 THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR; 

6 Tlie story of the cross 
Causes no tears to start ; 

Yet, we say " earthly gain" is dross, 
But, ah ! it rules the heart ! 

7 For when we meet to pray, 
How formal are our prayers ; 

For we feel not a word we say. 
Because of this world's cares ! 

8 How wretched is our lot — 
Who can describe it well ; 

For since we're " neither cold nor liot, 
We are the heirs of hell ! 



Thy quick'ning grace impart ; 
And with a Saviour's dying love, 
Oh ! fill every heart. 



We are All Swiftly Traveling to Eternity. 

L. 31. 
1 Alas ! my friends and kindred dear 

Are swiftly crossing death's cold stream ; 
And death will soon stop my career, 

For life, at most, is but a dream ! 



OR, MISCELLANEOUS POETRY. 93 

2 I've now seen five and twenty years ; 
Another spring is just in bloom ; 

But, ah!«liow soon shall bitter tears 
Bedew my dark and silent tomb ! 

3 Many whom I in childhood knew, 
And some with whom I loved to roam. 

Have bidden earth a long adieu, 
And gone to their eternal home ! 

4 And I was near the grave's deep shade, 
But God, in mercy, raised me up; 

While some, with whom I oft have played, 
Have long since drunk death's bitter cujd ! 

5 Oh! how thankful I ought to be. 
That I have been so kindly spared ; 

"While into vast eternity, 
Many have gone all unprepared ! 

6 So then, let me still watch and pray. 
Till my few years shall reach their sum. 

That God may not cast me away. 

When "the great day of wrath" shall come! 



94 THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR; 



Who can Desceibe the Last Day ? L. M. 

1 Alas ! what mortal can portray 
Tlie terrors of that dreadful day, 
When earth from pole to pole shall quake, 
And all the powers of heaven shake ! 

3 Christ, the beginning and the end. 
Shall in the clouds of heaven descend, 
" Clothed with a vesture dipped in blood," 
Having the dreadful trump of God! 

3 Then, all who now are in the grave, 
And all beneath the sea's cold wave. 
Yea, all the world, from zone to zone. 
Shall stand before the "great, white throne!" 

4 And all who now mournfully dwell 
Deep in the dark abyss of hell, 
Shall rise, guilty of Jesus' blood. 

To meet a sin-avenging God ! 

5 The earth, man's present dwelling place, 
Shall then burn as stubble or grass ; 
Great God, where shall the wicked flee, 
To hide their naked Boals from Thee? 



OR, MISCELLANEOUS POETRY. 95 

G And the heavens, God's Word proclaims, 
Shall all be wrapped in surging flames ; 
And they, at His most dreadful voice. 
Shall pass away with a great noise ! 

7 Alas! how shall my heart abide 
The coming of " the Crucified ?" 
For He, with all that happy choir, 
"Shall be revealed in flaming fire!" 

8 Jesus, Thou mighty King of kings. 
Shield me beneath Thy snowy wings ; 
Since Thou hast bought me with Thy blood, 
Oh ! save me from the wrath of God ! 



THE 



Unexpected Visitor; 



'R, 



MISCELLANEOUS POETRY, 



JOHN FRANCIS YANPELT NEIIx, 



OF NICHOLAS COUNTY, W. VA. 



CHARLESTON : 

E. T. Moore, printer, Skees' Hev^r Buildin 
1878. 



». 



'^'^^^^^^^^^rmm^ 



.f^M 



/^^Aaai 


















■Aaa^a^aaa^^^^ 






v"?fl6«^M^,.> 



, :. /^.^ aa ^ ^ a* m A/^AD./nA' 



r:/:^P^-/^A^^ 



Z^^,f^^4 









"^'^'^' '^A-^^AAr^^A-AA, 



A/!M5'':''^«A^' 



A^iA^AX' 



'A^r ■ 1^ 



,^^;^^ 



i*AAr''';;A,«,A' 



■/^^'^AA* 



^>^^«s:A?:^^Q>vi^'^. 



